A host of spring classes, festivals, and sales for gardeners, chefs, and parents of budding plant-lovers

It feels like spring has finally sprung in the Portland area and there are oodles of free and inexpensive gardening and plant events in the Portland area this weekend - and every weekend from now through summer. Here's a sampling of just a few upcoming garden-related events to help you get your hands dirty this weekend.

Beautiful Beans

Join Carol Boutard of Ayers Creek, Katherine Deumling of Cook With What You Have, Hanna Kullberg of The Better Bean Company and nutritionist Samantha Brody for an evening sponsored by the Portland Culinary Alliance and Edible Portland. Learn lots more about growing and eating beans and enjoy Ava Genes’ legendary Borlotto Bruschetta and XICO’s black bean puree, along with a sampling of a variety of cooked beans. Learn more and sign up here.

Celebrate Arbor Month, and Arbor Day itself (April 20) at the Portland Farmers Market downtown. Join Portland Parks and Recreation and the Portland Farmers Market for a fun day of events, music, and a party celebrating those who work to enhance Portland's fabulous urban forest. Learn more about the festival and the entire month's events here.

WHAT:Arbor Day Festival at PSU's Farmers MarketWHEN: Saturday April 20, 2013 from 8:30 am to 2 pmWHERE: South Park Blocks between SW Hall and SW Montgomery, Portland, OR 97205COST: free

Anthropologie’s Children’s Potting Event at Bridgeport Village Store

Bring your kids to Anthro's annual Earth Day craft party. Kids get to decorate recycled cans and plant seeds in them (maybe sunflowers) and - of course - bring their little planted pots home. There are some amazing window displays at the store, too - check out what they did with recycled milk jugs! While you're there, check out their garden accessories, from adorable little pots and terrariums to garden furniture.

It's time for Portland Audubon's Annual Spring Native Plant Sale! Find over 100 species of Oregon wildflowers, shrubs and trees for sale to enhance your garden, woodland, or stream bank. Shopping lists are available for shade, sun, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and plant experts will be on hand to help you find the right plant for the right place. Education sessions are also offered including Why Native Plants Benefit Habitat, How to Design a Native Plant Area and Planting and Care of Native Plants. All proceeds of the sale benefit Portland Audubon programs such as nature education, wildlife sanctuaries, and wildlife rehabilitation. For more Portland Audubon events, check out this list.

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